They're often blown away when someone actually pulls over to the side and lets them by. So much so, sometimes, that they don't know what to do for several seconds. This can result in mental anguish for the tailgater, as (s)he loses valuable chunks of momentum during that time.

There actually are nice tailgaters. These are the ones who pull back once the car in front of them actually starts going at or above the speed limit.

They have amazing reflexes. This is because the ones who don't have amazing reflexes stop tailgating when they find they can't afford their car insurance anymore after all the accidents.

8% of the time, they actually do really need to be somewhere fast. The rest of the time, it's anyone's guess.

They sometimes end up getting to their destination a few seconds faster.

They tend to be very unhappy a lot of the time.

I'm compiling this list in an attempt to aid my own effort to stop tailgating. For me, it's a subconscious thing. I didn't even realize I had a habit of tailgating until a friend pointed out that it was the only aspect of my driving that he didn't like. So I've been trying to fix it. Oddly enough, it's harder than it would seem.

I often tailgate without even meaning to. It's just a bad habit I've gotten into. Luckily, I've never hit someone. But it could happen. So I'm trying to get better. Yay me.

He sometimes has his mind stuck in low gear, believes 55 mph speed limit is infringement on rights of cars. Garages are prisons to him...doesn't understand Earth machines are not alive. Goes 180 mph, range 600 miles. Uses ferrocobalt magnet under hood to be pulled by and within a few feet of other vehicles, reducing his fuel use to near zero. Prone to overheating.

A tailgate is also a part of a vehicle, (in addition to being the nasty driving habit described above). A tailgate is the fold down door on the rear of a truckbed. The rear door of a station wagon is also called a tailgate.

Tailgate theft has become a problem in some areas. Because the tailgates on most older American made trucks are easily removed with few or no tools. I would suggest getting a tailgate lock if you have one of those models. Because replacement tailgates are a little expensive. It is also recommended to get a guard plate for the top lip of your tailgate if you are going to be doing any real work with your truck.

Bad tailgating occurs when driving and one car follows the other very closely. This form of tailgating leads to auto accidents because the following distance is covered in less than the trailing driver's reaction time. The fact that the trailing driver always gets the ticket is scant compensation for the accompanying whiplash.

Good tailgating takes place before football games and at road racing events. Essentially it is a party or pic nic set around the tailgate of an SUV, station wagon, or other motor vehicle capable of carrying coolers. Because beer is heavy, at least in quantities sufficient to last the weekend, it is better to keep the coolers in the vehicle. Lower the tailgate, set out the mustard and begin consumption. One American tradition that deserves to spread.

Tailgating can be as simple as opening the trunk lid, or can become quite sophisticated. Many tailgators base their parties out of specialized vehicles, often painted school colors. Motorhomes, converted school busses are often chosen. Grilling is encouraged, and pig roasts are not unknown. Many tailgators use portable televisions with satellite dishes to follow the sporting event. Menus can be as simple as the humble PB&J to rib roasts with chili on the side. Beer may be bottled or by the keg.

Because even a humble station wagon can carry a lot of goodies, a large, well-stocked party can be set around a single vehicle. Tailgating has made partying mobile, with the proviso that some sanitary provisions should be made available for beer recycling.